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Hate crime

What is hate crime?

A hate crime is any crime which is perceived, by the victim or anyone else, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice towards someone because of:

disability

race or ethnic origin

religion or belief

sexual orientation

transgender identity.

It can be against the individual or their property.

What is a hate incident?

Hate incidents are non-crime incidents, but can feel like a crime to those who suffer them. Just as a hate crime it is an incident which is perceived by the victim or anyone else, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice towards someone, because of:

disability

race or ethnic origin

religion or belief

sexual orientation

transgender identity

The police can only prosecute if the law is broken, but can work with partners in the community and with offenders to try and prevent these types of incidents happening and turning into hate crimes.

Full definitions of hate crimes and incidents are given on the True Vision website, which is owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers and gives lots of useful information about hate crimes and incidents.

Report hate crime

Reporting does make a difference – to you, your friends, and our community. By reporting hate crimes and incidents when they happen, you can stop it happening to someone else. You will also help the Police to understand the level of hate crime and incidents in our local area and improve the way they respond to them.

Support

Lancashire Victim Services has been established by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire to provide support to victims and witnesses of crime across the county. If you have been a victim or have witnessed a crime, even if you haven’t reported it to the police, Lancashire Victim Services are here to help. They provide emotional support, information and practical help to anyone who needs it.